Alkalinity Testing

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Randy, understanding where suggested alk levels should be in a low nutrient system is there anything that says where alk should be in a higher nutrient system? I have a friend who runs his alk around 12, no3 40-50 and po4 around .04-.05 and has amazing growth. Is there any kind of correlation that says if you are running higher nutrients you should also run higher alk?

In a higher nutrient system you can elect higher alk (say, 10-11 dKH) leading to faster hard coral growth, if you want. But it is also fine to run lower alk in a higher nutrient system.

 

[that Reef Guy]

I would get a Triton Test Done.

I have talked to alot of people lately that had High Build Ups of Heavy Metals.

They did Triton Tests found the problem and fixed it and now their tanks are fine.

Triton Tests for around 34 Different Things.

 

[that Reef Guy]

I need some advice,

I have been using Hanna DKH HI772 Alkalinity tester and I want to know how accurate it really is. I have been following the directions to a tee and even watched a few videos on Youtube just to make sure I wasn't screwing the test up any. Right now it has been testing 8.8 - 9.3 I am fine with those as long as they are right however, I borrowed a salifert test kit and it read 12 (ran the test twice). SO who do I trust? Thanks for all the responses in advance.

I have seen issues with Hanna Checkers (And have read about alot of issues too).

I have Tested (My Phosphate Hanna Checker - Which I do not use anymore) and got one reading.

Then I tested the same tank again right after and got a reading that was waaay off from the first one.

I use Salifert and do not have any problems so I would stick with Salifert.